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leftover

1 of 2

noun

left·​over ˈleft-ˌō-vər How to pronounce leftover (audio)
Synonyms of leftovernext
1
: something that remains unused or unconsumed
especially : leftover food served at a later meal
usually used in plural
2
: an anachronistic survival : vestige

leftover

2 of 2

adjective

: not consumed or used
leftover food
leftover space

Examples of leftover in a Sentence

Noun Are we having leftovers again? The law is a leftover from earlier times.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Store any leftover opened wine in the refrigerator with the cork replaced. Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 29 May 2026 The Michigan-Ohio State game is as much a part of college football’s late November schedule as Thanksgiving leftovers and Lane Kiffin coaching rumors. Austin Meek, New York Times, 29 May 2026
Adjective
Soap Scum While people may consider soap scum just leftover soap that didn't properly rinse away, the science surrounding soap scum isn't quite that straightforward. Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 10 May 2026 Enter, your leftover coffee grounds. Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 9 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for leftover

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1866, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1864, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of leftover was in 1864

Cite this Entry

“Leftover.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leftover. Accessed 1 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

leftover

noun
left·​over
ˈlef-ˌtō-vər
: something remaining
especially : food left over from one meal and served at another
usually used in plural
leftover adjective

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